Tuesday, 9 March 2010

Edwardian Grotesque!

Sadly, Edwardian England and I am sure elsewhere enjoyed viewing Freak Shows and the like. Here is a souvenir postcard (1906) of 'The Troupe of Royal Midgets, including Madam Tom Thumb'. I am not going to say much about it, but I want you all to take a look at the female figure in the centre resting on a stick. (You can click on the photo to enlarge it) But what do you make of her features . . . ?

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5 comments:

  1. Owen9 March 2010 at 19:24

    Hi Laurie !

    That is truly shocking... is she wearing a mask ? Like the Phantom of the Opera, to cover some other disfiguring condition ? Otherwise, I can't imagine what could explain that, and not sure I want to...

    You never fail to surprise...

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  2. @eloh10 March 2010 at 01:37

    I spent over an hour on your sites this morning and searching (google) for another picture of this troupe.

    It does look like it could be a partial mask.

    I had to be drug out of freak shows (tents) on several occasions as a child... just wanted my dimes worth.

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  3. Rosie10 March 2010 at 15:17

    Maybe she had a hare lip? Wierd photo.

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  4. Sharon Wagner12 March 2010 at 19:50

    Poor little lady. I'm not sure from the grainy photo exactly what facial issues were going on.

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  5. Laurie12 March 2010 at 22:27

    For years as a child, I always wanted to visit the Freak Show at the Fair but my parents wouldn't let me. Then one year I was finally old enough. I paid my money and in I went. The large tent contained a bearded lady, a stuffed two-headed lamb and . . . a fat man in a nappy! I was so disappointed!
    Laurie

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